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Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Severe pregnancy complications are associated with elevated factor VIII plasma activity
Eli Rimon1, Jessica Ascher-Landsberg, Noga Carmi
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel. rimoneli@yahoo.com
Summary
Elevated factor VIII activity is more common in women with severe pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. This finding suggests factor VIII may be a risk factor for these adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Severe pregnancy complications pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health.
- Factor VIII is a key protein in the blood coagulation cascade.
- Thrombophilia, an increased tendency to form blood clots, is a known risk factor in pregnancy complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of elevated factor VIII activity in women experiencing severe pregnancy complications.
- To compare factor VIII activity levels between women with severe pregnancy complications and healthy controls.
- To assess if elevated factor VIII activity is an independent risk factor for severe pregnancy complications.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 49 women experiencing severe pregnancy complications and 49 healthy controls.
- Participants had a history of severe preeclampsia, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR), or placental abruption.
- Factor VIII activity levels were measured and compared between the study and control groups.
Main Results:
- 34.6% of women with severe pregnancy complications had elevated factor VIII activity, versus 2.1% in the control group (P < 0.05).
- Mean factor VIII activity was significantly higher in the study group (159 ± 52%) compared to controls (88 ± 17.4%) (P < 0.05).
- 20.4% of the study group had elevated factor VIII activity without other known thrombophilia, compared to 2.1% in controls (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Elevated factor VIII activity is significantly more prevalent in women with severe pregnancy complications.
- Elevated factor VIII activity may serve as an independent risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of factor VIII activity in pregnancy.
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